CASTROL LISMORE SPEEDWAY: MARCUS DUMESNY IS $10,000 RICHER AFTER LIL’ AUSSIE OPEN WIN

By Dennis Newlyn

Marcus Dumesny’s 410 Sprintcar victory in the $10,000-to-win Lil’ Aussie Open at Castrol Lismore Speedway, Wednesday January 8, carried greater significance than just getting to the chequered flag first.

It was a personal triumph over back injuries that stalled his career with a stint on the sidelines which also put his seasonal campaigns on hold for sometime – in fact his last victory was the New South Wales Sprintcar Championship on April 1, 2023 at Sydney’s Eastern Creek Speedway.

Back in Victory Lane for the first time in close to two years, an elated Marcus Dumesny summed it best with just a few words:  “It’s been a long road back.”

Dumesny showed all his familiar speed , typified when he put down the fastest lap of the Lil’ Aussie Open at mid-distance with a time of 11.309 seconds for a speed of 127.332 km/h around the tight confines of the Lismore Showground bull ring.

Harry Stewart filled the runner-up position on the podium, while the drive of the night came from Luke Oldfield who started from the back and charged from position 17 into third position!

Late afternoon – early evening rain delayed the start of the meeting, watched by a big crowd including City of Lismore Mayor Steve Krieg.

Several attempts were made to get the first lap of the main event completed in incidents that took out one of the pre-race favourites Alex Attard.

Lil’ Aussie Open winner Marcus Dumesny (centre) pictured with runner-up Harry Stewart (left) and third-placed Luke Oldfield. Photo: Tony Powell.

When the 25-lap feature settled down, Dumesny commanded the role of pacemaker, chased hard by Stewart, while Mitch Randell was right with Stewart.

Further into the race, Brodie Davis gained ground on Randall. Randall became one of the hard luck stories of the race when he rode a wheel and crashed into the fence with 18 laps remaining.

Oldfield was a man on the move as he threaded his way through the field. American Andy Pake ran in fifth as Oldfield loomed into contention. Oldfield passed Pake, then Mitch Gowland in a superb drive into the top three.

It was not an easy night for Oldfield who had an incident in an earlier heat and finished in the fence. Without a heat result it meant he started at the back in the feature race and what followed from Oldfield was one of the highlights of the night.

The top ten finishing order was Marcus Dumesny, Harry Stewart, Luke Oldfield, Mitch Gowland, Andy Pake, Callum Walker, Nash Morris, Tony Bridge, Daniel Bridge and Bradi Owen.

Heat wins went to Dumesny and Stewart.

The main focus of the pre-meeting publicity and mainstream media coverage was the appearance of Americans Pake and Chase Randall. However Randall was an unfortunate late withdrawal from the fixture.

Other feature race winners on what was a very successful and entertaining night of racing were Jacob Jolley (LS 360 Sprintcars),  Matt O’Neill (Compact Speedcars), Lindsay Clapham (Production Sedans) and Mitchell Haynes (Wingless Sprints).

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Safety Upgrade for Rous Road Roundabout Begins, Temporary Detours in Place

By Jeff Gibbs

Lismore City Council has announced the start of a $1.1 million safety upgrade for the Rous Road and Oliver Avenue roundabout, aiming to improve motorist safety in the area. Funded by Transport for NSW under the Australian Government’s Black Spot program, the project is expected to take eight weeks to complete, weather permitting.

Addressing a History of Accidents

Over the past five years, six accidents have occurred on or near the roundabout, highlighting the need for action. “Something clearly needed to be done,” said Lismore City Mayor Steve Krieg. “We are committed to ensuring the safety of our community, and this upgrade will deliver that.”

What the Upgrade Involves

The project will be completed in two phases:

1. Initial works: Upgrading existing drainage infrastructure and widening the road pavement to the north of the roundabout.
2. Construction phase: Building a new, larger concrete and asphalt roundabout with a 6m-wide travel lane, improving access from Jubilee Avenue and the Caroona Marima Care Facility.

Temporary Traffic Changes

Starting Monday, 13 January, Jubilee Avenue will be closed to through traffic at the roundabout for the remainder of the works. A detour will redirect traffic via Phillip Street, McDermott Avenue, and Oliver Avenue. Stop/go signs and reduced speed limits will also be in place.

“We all have a role to play in road safety, and I want to thank the community for their cooperation and patience,” Mayor Krieg said.

Safety Upgrade for Rous Road Roundabout

Key Safety Features

The upgrade includes:

• Improved sightlines by removing three trees on the northern side of Rous Road, which will be replaced nearby.
• Modifications to the Caroona Care Facility driveways, changing the current entry/exit to an Exit Only and creating a new Entry Only point off Rous Road, approximately 40m west of the roundabout.
• Enhanced safety for vehicles turning at Jubilee Avenue and Rous Road, addressing confusion caused by their close proximity.

Background on the Black Spot Designation

The roundabout’s inclusion in the Black Spot program was based on:

• Limited sight distance due to large trees and low lighting.
• The crest of the intersection reducing stopping time for motorists exiting Jubilee Avenue.
• Historical accident data, with six recorded incidents between 2018 and 2023.

Future Plans

The Council has confirmed the development of another roundabout at Reserve Street as part of the broader Rous Road design, with timing yet to be finalised.

For residents and motorists, the temporary disruptions during construction will lead to long-term improvements in safety and traffic flow. The Council urges all road users to follow the temporary detours and traffic controls during this period.

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Lismore and Wollongbar Celebrate Another Million-Dollar Lotto Win!

Luck continues to shine on the Northern Rivers, with two friends from Lismore and a Wollongbar woman each taking home $2.1 million in the Saturday Lotto draw, following a recent $1.3 million win in the region.

The winning tickets were part of the 14 division one entries in Saturday Lotto draw 4535 on 4 January 2025, with each winner receiving $2,142,857.15.

Lismore Duo’s Retirement Dream

Two lifelong friends from Lismore are planning a shared retirement after their System 8 QuickPick entry purchased from Lismore Square News hit the jackpot.

“Jesus Christ! You ripper!” one of the winners exclaimed when the life-changing news was revealed.

“Bring on retirement, I say! This will set us both up. We’re sitting here in shock, trying not to spill our coffee. It’s going to be a great year!”

Wollongbar Winner’s First-Class Dreams

For the Wollongbar woman, her big win opens up exciting opportunities, including an overseas holiday:

“Bugger me! Is this right?” she said after confirming her win.

“I’ve been playing for years but never thought I’d win! I’m so happy. I’ll be helping my family and flying at the pointy end of the plane on my holiday!”

Her winning ticket was purchased at Alstonville Newsagency, a store with a rich history of delivering luck to its customers.

A Winning Streak for Alstonville Newsagency

Owners Ray and Maree Smith shared their excitement.

“This is our biggest division one win to date! Over the years, we’ve sold four Division One prizes and six Lucky Lotteries 1st Prizes. It’s a fantastic way to start 2025!”

Winning Numbers

The numbers for draw 4535 were 33, 19, 8, 23, 10, and 31, with supplementary numbers 42 and 13.

With Lismore and Wollongbar kicking off 2025 in style, the region is basking in its well-deserved Lotto glory!

Disused Aged Care Facility to Become Crisis Accommodation in Lismore

By Robert Heyward

An aged care facility damaged during the 2022 floods will soon be transformed into crisis accommodation to address rising homelessness in Lismore. The project is part of the NSW Government’s $100 million Homelessness Innovation Fund and will provide much-needed support for vulnerable individuals and families in the region.

The initiative will repurpose Fromelles Manor, an unused facility, into 30 self-contained en-suite rooms. Supported by an investment of $768,862, the project will be delivered by community service organisation Social Futures.

Innovative Solutions to Homelessness

Minister for Housing and Homelessness Rose Jackson highlighted the importance of innovative approaches to tackling the state’s housing crisis.

“The 30 units in Lismore will give people across the Northern Rivers a safe and secure place to rebuild their lives during incredibly challenging times,” Minister Jackson said.

“We’re delivering on our promise to harness the expertise of non-government partners, frontline workers, and those with lived experience to fund innovative ideas and services that set us on the path toward ending homelessness in this state.”

She emphasised that relying on costly short-term solutions like hotels and motels is unsustainable.

“We need person-centred approaches that provide high-quality, tailored support and help people move toward stable, long-term housing,” she said.

Addressing a Growing Need

The 2024 Statewide Street Count revealed a steady rise in homelessness rates in Lismore, consistent with trends across the North Coast.

Social Futures CEO Tony Davies welcomed the funding, calling it a significant step for one of the state’s highest-need areas outside Sydney.

“This grant will enable us to deliver a unique support services hub in the heart of Lismore’s proposed health precinct. It will meet the needs of the community’s most vulnerable and offer wraparound supports to benefit health and wellbeing,” Mr. Davies said.

Community Collaboration

Lismore MP Janelle Saffin praised the collaboration between government and community organizations.

“Transforming a disused facility into a safe and secure place for individuals and families shows what can be achieved when government, community organizations, and local leaders work together,” Ms. Saffin said.

“Our region has faced extraordinary challenges, and this funding ensures that some of our most vulnerable community members will have access to shelter and support when they need it most.”

Grant Applications Open

The Homelessness Innovation Fund invites organizations to apply for one-off grants to improve outcomes for people facing homelessness. Applications are open until April 2025.

For more information and to apply, visit NSW Government Grants and Funding.

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Council Forms Five-Year Partnership with Friends of Lismore Rainforest Botanic Gardens

By Robert Heyward

Lismore City Council has entered into a five-year Memorandum of Understanding with the Friends of Lismore Rainforest Botanic Gardens. This agreement will support the volunteer-run organisation in continuing its essential work at Australia’s only botanic gardens managed entirely by volunteers.

Beyond offering a peaceful space for the community to connect with nature and learn about native ecosystems, the gardens also collaborate with other botanical institutions and universities across the country to facilitate scientific research.

Council’s General Manager, Jon Gibbons, emphasised that the Council has been a proud supporter of the Friends of the LRBG for over two decades.

“In the last 10 years in particular, the Botanic Gardens has grown a great deal,” he said.

“The plants are well established, and much infrastructure has been added, including a Visitor Centre, toilets, BBQ area, picnic tables, signage, decks, seating, bridges and plumbing fixtures.

“It has become a destination for local, interstate and international visitors, and serves as a cultural and recreational venue, attracting theatre performances, as well as regular guided walks.

“Alongside this growth is a need to balance the future development of the Botanic Gardens with maintaining and upgrading what we already have.

“The MOU and Management Plan 2025 – 2029 focus on identifying the Botanic Gardens’ assets, the responsibility for those assets, processes for building new assets and applying for grant funding, as well as work, health and safety procedures on site.”

The Lismore Rainforest Botanic Gardens opened in 2013 and last year the group volunteered about 4,800 hours.

Vice President of the Friends Tracey Whitby said the new MoU was acknowledgement of the hard work of the volunteers.

“The Gardens’ main goals are to engender and facilitate scientific research into rainforest species, to contribute to their conservation and to develop understanding about rainforest ecosystems,” she said.

“They also provide the people of Lismore with many opportunities for reflective appreciation of rainforests.”

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